This sparklingly humane book makes the case that there is no such thing as neurologically ‘normal’

by Steven Poole

Bill ​O'Chee

It is shocking to discover that children with disabilities are being disciplined using the same methods used by the CIA in the torture of suspected terrorists.

While the CIA's interrogation methods have attracted widespread condemnation, there has been but a muffled squeak over children with autism being locked in darkened rooms, cages or boxes in Australian primary schools.

Many children with autism are missing out on routine care such as dental check-ups and haircuts because of their condition, according to experts.

Telethon Kids Institute autism researcher Andrew Whitehouse said there were ordinary aspects of life that most people took for granted but could be highly challenging for children with autism.

Professor Whitehouse is speaking at an Autism West symposium being held in Fremantle tomorrow and Saturday.

By political reporter Dan Conifer

The Federal Government is being warned about potential cost blowouts in the $22 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The agency overseeing the NDIS said factors including the increasing prevalence of autism, workforce and supply shortages, and states shifting health costs could cause overruns.

Dear The Hon. Christian Porter MP

Recent media reports mention the increasing number of people being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and the possible impact on the NDIS. Apparently, more people are diagnosed with autism than the NDIA expected … especially in South Australia.

There are a number of issues relating to autism that we would like to raise with you. These include:

1. autism and the NDIS … particularly increasing numbers of diagnoses and the NDIA's minimal consultation with the autism community;

A world-first study has found a hormone commonly used to induce labour in pregnant women, oxytocin, has significant benefits for some children with autism.

One in 68 Australian children is diagnosed with the disorder, which affects their communication skills and makes it difficult for them to interact socially.

"Often people with autism are incredibly bright and have lots of potential in so many ways," Associate Professor Adam Guastella, from the University of Sydney, said.

"But they often miss the important cues that guide social behaviour."

JOCELYN Moorhouse and PJ Hogan are one of Australia’s most creative couples, with their first feature film together being the iconic Muriel’s Wedding in 1994. Together, they have written scripts, directed films and parented four children — two of whom have severe autism. Here, Moorhouse, who directed the upcoming movie The Dressmaker, starring Kate Winslet, reveals how she balances the needs of her work and children.

In addition to several other major recent submissions, A4 also made a quick submission to the review of legislation for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Disability advocates say mainstream schools are unable to meet the needs of autistic children, and as a result families with autistic children are being forced to homeschool their children.

Many parents have told a Senate inquiry that their autistic children are bullied, misunderstood or placed in cages or seclusion areas in mainstream schools.

Sydney mother Cassandra Winter homeschools her son, who has autism and is currently in grade two.

She said the two schools he was previously attending lacked specialised support.